Palestinians candidates for the upcoming legislative elections, refused to abide by the Israeli conditions regarding the participation of Jerusalemite Palestinians in the Legislative Council elections, particularly as the Israeli police gave the candidates specific conditions in order to be allowed to campaign in Jerusalem.
Palestinian Cabinet Minister, and chief negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat, told the Maan News Agency that the Palestinian Authority was not officially informed of the Israeli conditions regarding this issue.
He stressed, "Palestinians, without any exception, have the right to participate in the elections, voting and campaigning".
The statements of Erekat came in to Israeli media reports concerning the statement of the Israeli Minister Gideon Ezra, who said that "Palestinian extremists will not be allowed to conduct elections campaigns in the city".
Palestinian legislator, and candidate Hatem Abdul-Qader, said that the Palestinians reject the Israeli demands, and that they have the right to campaign and hold the elections in Jerusalem since it is part of the occupied territories since 1967, and the future capital of the Palestinian state.
Also, PLC member and candidate, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, strongly clammed the way Israel announced its acceptance for Palestinian PLC candidates to campaign in Jerusalem.
She stated in her condemnation that the fact that the Israelis called all candidates into the police station, and interrogated them, is considered disrespect to the candidates and the Palestinian democratic process.
"Israel does not have the right to interfere in our elections", Dr. Ashrawi said, "Israel cannot decide the form and nature of our elections and candidates".
The Israeli police in Jerusalem called on PLC candidates to register in the Israeli Mascobia police and interrogation center on Sunday.
PLC candidate and current member, Hatem Abdul-Qader told the Maan News Agency that the candidates were told in the detention facility that they would be allowed to campaign in the city on two conditions; the first is that they must confine their posters and leaflets to assigned locations, while the second is that they must receive Israeli permission before holding any rally or meeting.
Abdul-Qader added said that the Israeli police contacted him as a PLC candidate, and not as a current member of the Palestinian government.
